He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them. But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion … ...He must be able to hear them from persons who actually believe them … he must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form.John Stuart Mill

I observed my first Uposatha day last week. I don't think I did too badly, but before I observe tomorrow, I would like to ask for some pointers.

Last time I turned on the computer in order to use it to listen to a couple of Dhamma talks online, however, out of habit I did find myself logging in to facebook and msn. How important is it that I keep strictly to the 8 precepts? if I find myself indulging in entertainment, is it okay that I simply notice the fact and then stop as soon as I notice (as I did last time)? or would it be better not to even turn the computer on in the first place?

I plan to dedicate my day to meditation and Dhamma study, I'm guessing this is what we are meant to do on Uposatha days, however is there anything else that I might wish to do to strengthen my practice?

Best wishesLaurens

"For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring."

Excellent questions, too bad I'm not qualified to answer out of anything except for my own experience. As a general rule, I like to be as strict as possible about the observance of the precepts whether they be 5, 8, 10, 12 or 227 (not that I've undertaken the patimokkha in this lifetime). An despite the fact that I am strict with myself about the precepts that doesn't mean I don't goof up occasionally-it just means I don't blur the lines for myself and see my akusala kamma for what it is. As for noticing when we're doing something wrong and ceasing to do so I think that doing so is one of the best definitions of right mindfulness. Sounds like you're off to a great start to me but please don't hesitate to ask more knowledgeable folk than me for pointers. Also, if you haven't joined our Facebook club, we have a thread for Confession of Faults so we can air out those slip-ups and get on with our practice. May you be well, happy and at peace!

Metta,

Mike

To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one's mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.-Dhp. 183

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a complex traditional formula that is loosely based on the lunar calendar, with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual astronomical dates. To further complicate matters, each sect within Theravada Buddhism tends to follow a slightly different calendar.

Because local Sanghas do not observe Uposatha or have traditions for this, I have been doing this on my own. Is it important to observe the date identified on the calendar, or to observe the actual moon phase date. For example, the quarter moon was Tuesday, but the calendar identifies THursday as the day of observance.

"As I am, so are others;as others are, so am I."Having thus identified self and others,harm no one nor have them harmed.

The calendar of Uposatha days is calculated using a complex traditional formula that is loosely based on the lunar calendar, with the result that the dates do not always coincide with the actual astronomical dates. To further complicate matters, each sect within Theravada Buddhism tends to follow a slightly different calendar.

Because local Sanghas do not observe Uposatha or have traditions for this, I have been doing this on my own. Is it important to observe the date identified on the calendar, or to observe the actual moon phase date. For example, the quarter moon was Tuesday, but the calendar identifies THursday as the day of observance.

I'd say whichever you think is easier to routinely do! but the observance is worked out according to a special calculation I believe so that is why it is sometimes different.

He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them. But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion … ...He must be able to hear them from persons who actually believe them … he must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form.John Stuart Mill

Observing uposatha days is one of my resolutions for the New Year. I've been going by the actual phases of the moon as seen from Japan, where I live.

It's nice having the day to reorient myself. And, I'm finding that it's actually a bonus that the days are completely at odds with the solar calendar, since it prevents them from feeling like a routine, like it might feel if they were simply every Saturday or Sunday.

Interesting that this year there is no different between the two Thai sects. This list agrees with my Thai calendar which my Wat uses (with Mahanikaya dates). Perhaps they have come to some sort of agreement... Of course, there may well be differences from other countries...